Agromorphological characterization and molecular evaluation of a marker associated with <i>Zym-1</i> allele resistance of local zucchini genotypes

Zucchini (Cucurbita pepo L.) is a widely cultivated vegetable with high economic value and important nutritional value. Zucchini yellow mosaic virus (ZYMV) is the most common virus diseases that causes loss of productivity in Zucchini cultivation. This study was conducted to determine of 250 Zucchini in the S3 stage genotypes, in terms of agro-morphological characteristics such as plant morphology, fruit characteristics and yield and to determine the resistance levels of the genotypes to ZYMV. As a result of molecular analysis, 43 genotype were found to be homozygous dominant (RR) and 10 genotype as heterozygous (Rr).resistant to Zym-1 allele. According to the results of factor analysis, 12 significant factors were identified. As a result, factor analysis, used in plant morphological characterisation studies, allows a systematic examination of a large number of variables that affect the morphological characteristics of plants, and this method is considered a critical tool for understanding the relationships of plants with environmental and genetic factors. At the end of the study, morphological variability was found high among the Zucchini genotypes. This evaluation of plant trait variability can assist geneticists and breeders to identify populations with desirable characteristics for inclusion in zucchini breeding programs. In addition, the levels of resistance to these disease are crucial for breeding programs aimed at developing cultivars resistant to disease.